Happy New Year! I hope you are enjoying the holidays; and as we ring in this new one, I want to personally thank each and everyone of you for your amazing support of our organization. Whether it’s purchasing a movie ticket, attending a youth media camp, volunteering your time, becoming a member, or partnering with MACSD in some way, MACSD would not be able to “Change Lives Through Film” without you. Thank you again for all of your support! Here are just a few of the many enriching activities that took place this past year because of your support.

Sincerely,
– Ethan van Thillo, Founder / Executive Director​

* * * * * * * * * *Bringing San Diego Movies that Otherwise Would Not Be Seen!
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MACSD’s one of-a-kind Digital Gym CINEMA continued to wow audiences with independent and foreign films, and 1000s of movie-goers experienced unique films such as Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, A Ballerina’s Tale, Gabo, Gueros, Amor de Mis Amores and 100s more . States San Diego Union Tribune film critic in today’s paper, Anders Wright, “Digital Gym Cinema. North Park’s little theater that could, part of Media Arts Center San Diego, truly stepped up its game in 2015, showing a slew of independent and foreign films, as well as a wealth of documentaries, that would otherwise not have played in San Diego.”Check out a few recent photos here of attendees at the Digital Gym CINEMA.

* * * * * * * * * *Helping the Community Tell Their Stories!
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In 2015, MACSD continued its’ long tradition of helping the community tell their stories via our Speak City Heights initiative and Video Production Services Department. Check out these amazing community stories & watch some of the over 100 videos produced this year. Click on the video titles below to view on-line.

* * * * * * * * * *Teaching Youth New Technologies & How to be Digital Storytellers!
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Last year MACSD worked with over 600 youth via our Teen Producers Project, Mobile Stories initiative, and year-round Youth Media & Tech Camps. From Chula Vista to San Marcos, youth ages 6-19, learned how to work in teams, make cool videos, and gained new education and technology skills, Here’s what some of our Teen Producers had to say about their experience this past year. “There’s nothing more amazing than being the one who creates the work that we can all share and be proud of. Creating, editing, reflecting, and turning ideas into actuality. Thats what TPP is.” – Paola Villarino. “TPP is a fun and creative environment. Students feel safe to share their points of views and opinions during the collaborative process to create our many films”. – Nichole Castillo

Watch one of our youth produced videos here. “Playing with Steam” – Students at the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) take after school classes in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Plus, check out some recent photos of our youth producers in action. Click here.

* * * * * * * * * *22 Years of Fighting for Equality With Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival!
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The lack of diversity in mainstream media is still staggering; as well as the current climate of immigrant bashing and hate speech by political candidates. To this end, Media Arts Center San Diego’s annual San Diego Latino Film Festival plays an important role in our national discourse; spotlighting more positive and accurate portrayals of Latinos in tv and film. Likewise, we’re constantly advocating for more Latinos in front of and behind the cameras.

In our 22nd year, we saw our acclaimed SDLFF move into a new and exciting venue (Fashion Valley AMC 18). Over 19,000 people attended this past year’s film festival and over 165 movies were screened. Special guests included Kate del Castillo, Edward James Olmos and many more! A few of the highlights from our 2015 film festival can be seen via this video. Watch video here. And, festival photos here.

We hope this past year’s exciting overview encourages you to help us make 2016 a great one! We rely on your support. Please consider making a year-end gift towards our annual scholarship fundraiser. To make a donation, visit this link.